Continued from yesterday（延續自昨日）
https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/lang
Interestingly, stonefish don’t use their venomous spines to hunt. Instead, the spines serve as a defense mechanism. When hunting, stonefish catch their prey by hiding among rocks on the seafloor or in coral and remaining incredibly still until small fish or shrimp swim by. They then ambush their prey with lightning speed, swallowing their meal in a second.
Photo: AdobeStock I 照片：AdobeStock
Despite their quick movements when capturing prey, stonefish are generally slow swimmers. They prefer to stay in shallow waters rather than swim in open areas. They can even survive outside of water for up to 24 hours. So, it’s important to be cautious where you step when walking along the coast in places where they live. Accidentally stepping on one can turn a fun day at the beach into a nightmare.
有趣的是，石頭魚並不會用牠們的毒刺來獵捕。相反地，這些刺是當作防禦機制。在獵捕時，石頭魚會藏身於海底的岩石間或珊瑚中，保持極其靜止，直到小魚或蝦游經牠們。接著牠們再以閃電般的速度突襲獵物，在一秒內將大餐吞下。
儘管石頭魚在捕捉獵物時動作迅速，牠們游泳的速度通常是慢的。牠們較喜歡待在淺水區而非在開放水域中游泳。牠們甚至可以在水外生存長達二十四小時。因此，在沿著牠們棲息的海岸行走時，務必要小心你所踩之處。不小心踩到一隻石頭魚可能會讓在海灘好玩的一天變成惡夢。
Photo: AdobeStock I 照片：AdobeStock
What Did You Learn?
1. From (A) to (F) below, choose the answers that are true regarding stonefish.（多選題）
(A) They swim like lightning.
Photo: AdobeStock I 照片：AdobeStock
(B) They use their venom to attack prey.
(C) They can catch prey in under a second.
(D) They come in a wide variety of bright colors.
(E) They have 13 venomous spines on their bellies.
(F) Most people would overlook them in the ocean.
答案 : C、F
2. What does “This feature” in the second paragraph refer to?（簡答）
答案 : Their resemblance to stones / Their rough skin texture and blotchy color pattern closely resembling stones.
3. Please fill in the blanks with information contained in the passage.（填空）
Eddie was rushed to the hospital after stepping on a stonefish at the beach. In the ambulance, he experienced severe __(1)__, had difficulty __(2)__, and nearly __(3)__.
答案 : (1) pain (2) breathing (3) died
4. Which word in the passage means “suddenly attack someone or something after hiding and waiting for them”?（簡答）
答案 : ambush
Word in Use
4. surroundings n. 四周環境（恆用複數）
You should always be aware of your surroundings.
你應隨時注意自己周遭的環境。
5. exceptionally adv. 格外地，非常
Matt is an exceptionally talented musician. He can play any song by ear.
麥特是個非常有天賦的音樂家。他能將任何聽到的歌曲彈奏出來。
Practical Phrases
4. serve as... 當作……用，充當……
This big box can serve as a temporary dog house.
這個大箱子可以當作暫時的狗屋。
5. prefer to V rather than V
喜歡……勝過……；寧願……而不願……
On weekends, I prefer to stay at home rather than go out on the town.
週末時，我比較喜歡待在家裡而不喜歡到市區去。
聽文章朗讀及講解: https://ivy.pse.is/455bfu
本文出自常春藤解析英語雜誌: www.ivy.com.tw
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